Sunglass Hut Opens New York Flagship Store
Sunglass Hut has opened a new Flagship store in New York City to provide a fun, innovative experience that celebrates fashion and shopping. Fifth Avenue passersby will be attracted by the entirely lit up building and will then be able to experience first hand an interactive motion touch screen. In addition, they'll be able to interact with additional screens inside: taking pictures of themselves, and ultimately playing them through a sensitive touch screen.
The Sunglass Hut Fifth Avenue Flagship store is 6,000 sq. ft. and spans two floors including a mezzanine level.
The ground floor features displays that will showcase the latest sunglass collections from leading brands. Full-length oversized mirrors will also allow consumers to try sunglasses on to complete their total look. The second floor, a dedicated VIP area, overlooks bustling Fifth Avenue, known for attracting global travelers and fashion focused consumers. A Sunglass Hut SocialSun station, the retailer’s proprietary interactive retail concept, will be a major feature.
N3L Optics Launches New Sport Sunglass Stores
Sport specialty sunglass retailer, N3L Optics, has opened two new interactive retail locations in Chandler, AZ and Broomfield, CO. The innovative new store design features an open flow format and experiential retail technology.
“Arizona and Colorado residents can get ready to experience a unique and personal high-tech shopping experience that will meet the needs of any sports enthusiast,” said Kendra Reichenau, Sr. VP, N3L Optics.
These new N3L Optics stores help consumers try before they buy using revolutionary equipment that simulates real life conditions, including: the Explorer Chamber, an Environmental simulator testing wind, light and UV reaction; the Newton Immersive Touch Display for comparing and selecting products by sport; and the Smart Mirror, a Motion sensor mirror that snaps pictures to share with friends.
Toys ‘R’ Us Stores Bring ‘Toy Story 3’ To Life
Toys “R” Us has created the ultimate “Toy Story 3” destination in all of its 1,300 toy stores around the world. Kids can “Live the Adventure” when they visit dedicated "Toy Story 3" boutiques, filled with the largest assortment of “Toy Story”-inspired toys, including action figures, construction sets, role play accessories, musical instruments and electronic devices.
“For nearly 15 years, kids and kids at heart have imagined that the toys they find in Toys “R” Us stores can come alive and have their own adventures thanks to the magical storytelling of the Toy Story films,” said Karen Dodge, Sr. VP, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys “R”Us, Inc. “The powerful connection to toys evoked by the films match our brand perfectly, and to bring this playtime experience to a new generation of kids, Toys “R” Us stores are now showcasing a broad assortment of “Toy Story 3” merchandise, including dozens of items that can only be found in our stores.”
D&W Fresh Market Store Offers Old World Market Charm
The newest D&W Fresh Market at Knapp’s Crossing, in Grand Rapids, MI is a 50,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art, energy efficient store, which blends the attributes of old world markets with specialty foods and destination departments, plus the convenience, time, and cost savings of a larger supermarket.
The outdoor market is stocked with crates full of fresh fruits, vegetables, hanging baskets, and colorful flowers. Inside, there is the sight and smells from the Old World Artisan bakery, fresh roasted coffee Starbucks bar, floral department, full service delicatessen, made-to-order sushi station, teas by the ounce, Greek olive bar, made to order pizzas and salads, Gelato and Sorbetto and more.
Dennis Eidson, CEO, Spartan Stores, said, “Time-crunched shoppers who appreciate quality foods and attractive presentations are going to be extremely impressed with everything the store offers.”
Sears & Edwin Watts Golf Open ‘Store-Within-A-Store’
Sears Holdings has joined forces with Edwin Watts Golf Shops, one of the world's largest specialty golf retailers, to establish the first U.S. based “store-within-a-store” retail model for the golf industry. Edwin Watts will open 12 new service-oriented golf shops inside of existing Sears stores in key locations nationwide.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership with Sears is a significant development in the golf industry as it expands the access of service-oriented golf retail to all levels of golfers, while helping to drive new players to the game,” said John Watson, CEO, Edwin Watts Golf Shops.
Each Edwin Watts Golf Shop housed inside a Sears is designed as a specialty store format with footprints ranging from 2,700-3,000 sq. ft., while offering the familiar layout and shopping experience as the Company’s free-standing golf shops. The shops will be staffed by Edwin Watts Golf associates.
Golfsmith Launches ‘Free Golf Month’ Promo.
The economy, weather and several other factors have reduced the number of rounds of golf played by golfers in America in the past year and a half. In an effort to reverse this trend and make golf more affordable than ever, America’s largest golf retailer, Golfsmith, is partnering with more than 70 golf courses from coast to coast to launch "Free Golf Month" in the largest golf game giveaway ever. Some 50,000 rounds of golf are being given away to Golfsmith customers.
“We’re making golf affordable,” said Marty Hanaka, Golfsmith CEO. “With our ‘Free Golf Month’ promotion we’re providing our customers a free pass and access to our network of great courses while setting ourselves apart from the competition.” The promotion provides a free golf game valued at up to $100 with an in-store purchase of $99. Upon the transaction of $99 or more at any of Golfsmith’s stores, consumers will receive a voucher from a local course to play for free.
Envision Solar Launches Initiative For Quick Service Restaurants
Envision Solar International has launched its Quick Service Restaurant (QSRs) initiative featuring Solar Groves® solar parking arrays and CleanCharge™ solar charging stations for parking lots. CleanCharge is the first initiative to bring shade, clean solar energy and electric vehicle charging stations to QSR parking lots.
The Envision Solar CleanCharge vehicle charging system provides restaurants with a Solar Grove, - an array of Solar Trees® - equipped with an electric vehicle and hybrid electric vehicle charging station. The Solar Trees provide shade for diners' vehicles, while simultaneously allowing the restaurant to offset some of its energy usage through the grid-connected solar system. The CleanCharge solar-to-electric vehicle charging station also allows customers to recharge plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles while they dine.
Sam’s Club Is First National Retailer To Use On-Site Wind-Generated Electricity
As part of a company commitment to be supplied 100% by renewable energy, Sam’s Club is the first retailer in the U.S. to install a significant number of micro wind turbines mounted on parking lot light poles to support the energy needs of its Palmdale, Calif., location.
The Palmdale Sam’s Club was selected for the test project among all Walmart-owned properties because of the great wind resources in the area.
The micro wind turbines at the Palmdale Sam’s Club are estimated to provide 76,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually - enough to power more than six average American homes for a year.
Target Launches Recycling Stations In All Stores
Target has launched permanent community recycling stations in all 1,740 stores. Located at the front of each store, the recycling stations offer guests a convenient way to recycle aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers, plastic bags, MP3 players, cell phones and ink cartridges.
“We know that eco-friendly living is top-of-mind for our guests, and the launch of store recycling stations allows us to continue to partner with them to curb unnecessary waste in our stores and our communities,” said Shawn Gensch, VP, Brand Marketing, Target. “Target is committed to the preservation of the environment and to giving our guests eco-friendly options that will help them live more sustainably.”
Target has also launched an eco-boutique featuring eco-minded brands with products such as non-toxic cleaners, energy-saving appliances and products made of recycled materials.
Ace Hardware To Sell Craftsman Tools
The Craftsman tool brand will now be sold through Ace Hardware stores. Ace stores will be able to sell the Craftsman brand including hand tools, portable power tools, compressors, wet/dry vacs and tool storage.
“This alliance will reinforce Ace stores as a premium destination for customers shopping for tools and other quality core hardware products,” said Ray Griffith, Ace President & CEO. “Bringing the nationally-trusted Craftsman brand to the aisles of the most helpful hardware stores in America will benefit both our retailers and customers.”
“This expands access to Craftsman for existing and new customers,” said Bruce Johnson, President, Sears Holdings. “Offering an assortment of Craftsman products more broadly through Ace locations will strengthen the Craftsman brand.”
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